Because No One Ever Tells You, Here's Exactly How to Layer Your Skin Care Products

Your step-by-step guide, right this way.

When it comes to our wardrobe, we're big fans of layering—it's the best trick for breathing new life into all the clothes we already own. But what many don't know is that layering can do a whole lot for your beauty routine, too. Turns out, the order in which you apply your skin care can make a huge difference in the potency of your products.

We get it: On any given morning, you're juggling an acne treatment, moisturizer, eye cream, SPF, serum, and a motley crew of other must-use products, and it's not always easy to figure out what to use first. Or last. Or second-to-last. So we consulted an expert to get the scoop on maximizing a multi-step skin care routine.

Layer by layer, Dr. Ariel Ostad, a board certified dermatologist based in New York City, walked us through the ideal order of application. The secret formula? Here we go:

The first cream product you layer should be anything you use that's more medicinal in nature, like acne cream or scar-lightening products. You don't want to introduce any barriers between them and the skin—let them cozy up and work their magic.

Step 4: Moisturizer

This is a can't-skip step. Thirsty skin is cranky skin.

Step 5: SPF

Another product you shouldn't leave the house without. Which, of course, you already know.

So does every skin care routine need to be a five-plus product ordeal? "There is not a numerical limit of products that can be used on skin at once," says Dr. Ostad. "However, there is a personal limit that is based on how many layers you can apply before your face feels heavy and does not absorb the product."

That said, if you're the owner of a product-friendly face (and are a true skin care devotee), you might find yourself throwing in extras like serums or face oils. If so, follow this rule of thumb: Formulations that are thinner to the touch should be applied first, in order to achieve utmost absorption. (These products contain smaller molecules than their thicker counterparts and therefore penetrate the skin most effectively with direct contact.) But bear in mind that topical treatments—like those for acne, dark spots, or scarring—are the exception. "If it's a product that treats and repairs existing damage, always use after cleanser and toner so it is directly applied to the clean skin," says Dr. Ostad. "This way, the medication can work more deeply. Medicated or not, your products will be at peak performance when applied in this deliberate order."

Looks like layering might just be the world's simplest, most cost-effective way to reboot your skin care routine. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.